(SonicAlbert) Will This Setup Work?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jae Little
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Jae Little

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Lynx Studio LynxTWO-B
Safe Sound P1 Audio Processor
FMR RNC
Programs: Sonar or Nuendo/Waves Diamond Bundle / Antares Autotune
Shure KSM32
Audio-Technica ATH M40fs
Wharfedale Diamond 8.2A
AKG K271 Studio Headphone
Presonus Central Station

I thought about what you said on that equipment. I need to start out with something simple and then just upgrade it when I'm ready. So this is the setup that I came up with. The reason I added the RNC is because the P1 compressor isn't as good as the RNC. The Wharfedale monitors are real good that's why I added them. So would this setup be good? I just want to have everything in order so I can just go out and buy things and not be confused about that I need when I get to the store.
 
I hope others will respond to this thread as well, since there are a number of items on your list that I haven't personally used. That said, I do a have few ideas about your list.

I'm assuming you have two sets of headphones because you'll have others listening along with you? I have those exact same Audio-Technica ATH M40fs headphones and I like them. One day I went to a store that had a headphone listening rack and I listened back and forth to a ton of headphones and those AT's really stood out to me. I haven't used the AKG headphones on your list, but I do like the idea of having a couple different sets, since you can hear different things on different headphones.

The Central Station is a great unit, I really can't imagine being without mine at this point. A very, very handy thing to have around.

What might need a little more thought is the mics/preamps/compressors department. Somehow that doesn't seem quite settled to me at the moment, but maybe I'm just confused about what you are wanting to do.

If you don't like the compressor on the P1, then why get a preamp with a compressor? Since you'll be using an external compressor anyway in this scenario, then I'd say just go for a straight preamp unit to go along with the compressor.

Also, I seem to remember you had some decent change to spend on your setup. The mic and preamp is where I'd put the first heavy money. I don't think you need to hold back on this area to start with. It all starts with the mic and preamp, so I think you can go first class in this area if you can still afford it. So think about something more in the area of the Avalon 737, Great River ME-1NV along with an eq and compressor, or maybe a Summit MPC-100A. Something along those lines, something that you will keep for your lifetime. This the first area to do that with in my opinion.

Same goes for mics, you might want to think about a mic that's a few notches up from the KSM32. The KSM32 is a good mic, I used to own a pair. But if you doing vocals I'm not sure that would be my first choice. Not that the KSM32 is bad, it isn't, but perhaps you want something that is *great* for voice. I'm not a mic expert, so I really don't feel qualified to make suggestions. I'm sure others will have some good suggestions.

As for the compressor, the RNC is so inexpensive that it is probably a good place to start. However, units like the Urei LA3A or LA4 are considered by many to be great on vocals. Of course, there are lots of great compressors out there. So after the RNC, this might be the area to grow into next.

So all that advice is like "best case scenario", where you have the bread to lay down on a great preamp and mic. If you can't part with that money right now, then I still feel you want to think about a mic that is aimed more directly at vocals, and a preamp that is just a preamp.

Hope some of this is helpful!
 
First, I'm going to talk about the mics. I'm getting more than just the Shure KSM32. Like:

CAD M9: It's real good for R&B vocals.
ADK Vienna: It's a little more frail, more suited for Pop vocals.
Audio-Technica AT4050: Real good mic.
Soundelux U195: Works great for Hip Hop vocals.

I know the compressor on the P1 isn't good, that's why I'm getting the RNC. The reason for this is because with the setup I should be able to cover any vocal, have great quality and it'll be easy to use. Plus, I can upgrade any piece later as I see fit. All I'll need is some high quality cables and I should have a good setup.

I plan to upgrade everything once I'm ready which I'll get:

Preamp: Avalon 737SP
Converter: Apogee Rosetta 200 AD/DA Converter
Monitors: Event ASP8

So, now do you see why I went with the simple setup for now. I'll be recording vocals in these areas: Hip Hop, Rap, R&B and Pop.
 
Okay, I see what you are doing with that list of mics. I still think you should consider skipping that first step and going right ot the good stuff wth the mic and preamp. It's like you are putting an extra step in there that is unnecessary.

If you can afford to, and only if the money issue is cool, my opinion is to skip the KSM and P1 and go directly to the AT 4050, or CAD, or Soundelux along with the Avalon.

I like the idea of the simple setup, but I just think you might want to change the order of your purchasing slightly. Like even get an AT4050 or CAD mic with the SafeSound. If you are not going to be using the compressor in the P1 I don't really see the reasoning behind buying it. Maybe take a look at other single or dual channel preamps in the $500-800 range. That would include the Grace 101, FMR RNP, and Sytek for example.

But again, it's almost like you are spending money that you could use to better purpose on other gear, since you already know what your end setup is going to look like. So if you can do it financially, I still suggest at least considering getting the Avalon and one of the other mics in the first wave.

Otherwise, I like your plan a lot. And I especially like that you *have* a plan! After all these years I still keep a plan in writing and keep updating it as I upgrade my studio and as my needs and tastes change. I've found that having it in writing helps keep me on the right path a lot better than just having a bunch of ideas floating around in my head.
 
I just wanted to chime in about Waves. I bought the Platinum pack a while back. turns out, the only stuff I really use in it are L2, and Audiotrack. I'm pretty sure you can get these in a cheaper pack. You just may want to look at what is actually in each pack and how much use you'd get out of it before spending the money on it. Some of the stuff is fun to play around with, but not worth the money to me because I don't actually use it.

H2H
 
The reason I was going with the simple setup is because right now I have to get this mixtape going and because I don't have the money for the high end equipment right now. That's why I'm getting the simple setup because I know I'll have it for awhile before I upgrade. I thought I was going to be able to get the high end equipment but things happened and I can't right now.

See, the equipment that I upgrade I will sell.

All I can do is get that setup, until I'm ready to upgrade. As for me using the compressor in the P1, I'll use it but see I'll be able to use the RNC also. If I could afford that 737SP and the U195, I'll get it. But right now, I've just gotten on a tight budget so I'm trying to go for what I know. Until, I'm comfortable in upgraded something.

Hard2Hear: I have Waves Diamond Bundle and I use a lot of the plug-ins. Oh and I'm getting it free, so why not get it you know..
 
Right, I understand now. We all have to live within our budget! The nice thing about studios is that you can buy them in little pieces and gradually improve them over time by upgrading the parts one at a time.

The only thing I'm still not sure of is the KSM32, but if you know that it works on your voice then go for it.
 
I'm still thinking about getting the KSM32 or U195. The KSM32 is real good for my vocals because it'll give me that crisp, warmth feeling I want and it'll make my vocals more upfront. But I do want the U195 first, I think I might get that one first.

But other than that, will the setup be fine?
 
Other than the stuff we've already discussed, your list looks good to me. It's compact, but well thought out and covers the areas you need covered right now. You'll be able to set it up and start recording. I'm sure you've already done this, but make sure the Lynx has the right drivers for your computer and operating system. Other than that, it all seems like it should go together quickly.

I think it is smart in every respect to start small like this and then build up later. You really learn the gear better and learn how it all works together better--a good foundation for your studio skills.

Don't forget the mic stand! :D
 
Thanks and I won't for the stand. Lol..Oh and I've done the research on the Lynx soundcard. I'm buying a new PC anyway because this one won't work at all.
 
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